Recreational - Northern

The 12 current or previous state parks located in the north are often associated with winter activities; after all, Utah has “the greatest snow on earth.” Citizens and visitors alike are encouraged to take advantage of the endless opportunities for recreation and enlightenment.

Antelope Island State Park - 1969
Opened in 1969, Antelope Island State Park (Davis County) is located on the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. This photograph illustrates how, during the summer months, thousands of campers make their way to the island for outdoor fun on the lake shore.Visit Park

Bear Lake State Park - 1962
Bear Lake State Park (Cache County) opened in 1962 as a boating and camping destination for northern Utah residents. Publicity for the new marina helped boost its popularity. This Salt Lake Tribune article by Craig Hansell describes the new marina and praises the improved access provided for boaters.Visit Park

Flight Park - 2006
Utah Flight Park (Utah County) was created in 2006 in partnership with the Utah Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. It is one of the premier hang gliding and parasailing training areas in the world. This photograph shows a group of hang gliders as they enjoy time in the air near the parking area at the park.Visit Park

Fort Buenaventura
Fort Buenaventura (Weber County) is known for its trading post and celebration of Mountain Man Days. The fort property was returned to Weber County in 2003. Among the many activities offered at the park, horseshoeing demonstrations are popular, as seen in this photograph by Blair Kooistra of The Ogden Standard Examiner.

Great Salt Lake State Park - 1978
Opened in 1978, Great Salt Lake State Park crosses Salt Lake, Davis, Tooele, Box Elder, and Weber Counties. It was created to preserve and showcase the unique and diverse environment of the lake. The park shows off its beauty in numerous publications, such as this article by Terry Tempest Williams in the Salt Lake Tribune, which describes the wonders of the park.Visit Park

Jordan River Parkway Scenic Trail and Golf Course - 1986
Jordan River Golf Course, in Salt Lake County, opened as a state park in 1986 and was taken over by Salt Lake City in 2004. The Jordan River Parkway opened in 2002 and is now owned and operated by the Jordan River Commission. This Salt Lake Tribune article by Roger Graves announced the opening of the par 3 golf course located along the Jordan River. The article labels the golf course a “dream come true." [1]

Jordanelle State Park - 1995
The Jordanelle State Park (Wasatch County) created in 1995 as a water-sports recreation area. This brochure for Jordanelle General Store advertises personal watercraft and fishing boat rentals. It also contains a thumbnail map that describes the park’s location as “minutes from Park City,” and lists some of the recreational activities available at the park.Visit Park

Otter Creek State Park - 1964
Otter Creek State Park (Garfield County) opened in 1964. It is a well-known bird watching and fishing area. The area is promoted regularly as a great spring destination. This Salt Lake Tribune article by Tom Wharton promotes the “hot fishing” possibilities in Otter Creek State Park.Visit Park

Rockport State Park - 1966
Opened in 1966, Rockport State Park (Summit County) is a recreational park that supports swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. This Salt Lake Tribune article by Tom Wharton promotes the available cross-country ski trails and highlights the winter access and trails the park has to offer.Visit Park

Saltair Beach State Park - 1982
Once a hugely popular public destination, accessed by a dedicated narrow-gauge train line, Saltair Beach fell out of favor. The former park became a private entity in 1996. This colorful brochure advertises Saltair Beach and concert hall and is intended to promote the great beach and nightlife the area has to offer [2]

Utah Lake State Park - 1970
Utah Lake State Park (Utah County) is known for its windsurfing, boating, and camping. It officially opened as a state park in 1970. This Deseret News article by Tom Smart elaborates on the conditions that exist to boost the popularity of wind surfing on Utah Lake.Visit Park

Willard Bay State Park - 1966
Willard Bay (Box Elder County) opened in 1966 as a freshwater recreation spot for boating, swimming, camping, and picnics. This black and white photograph features snowcapped mountains in the background and cold-weather visitors fishing at from the rocky shore.Visit Park